Title: A guide, descriptive and historical, through the Town of Shrewsbury
Author: W. A. Leighton
Release date: July 18, 2020 [eBook #62688]
Most recently updated: October 18, 2024
Language: English
Credits: Transcribed from the John Davies, Fourth Edition (1855) by David Price
Transcribed from the John Davies, Fourth Edition (1855) by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
INTERSPERSED WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THE MORE
REMARKABLE OBJECTS IN THE ENVIRONS,
TO WHICH ARE
APPENDED, LISTS OF
THE EMINENT NATIVES OF THE TOWN,
WITH REFERENCES TO BIOGRAPHICAL
WORKS;
OF
THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD;
AND
OF
THE RARER SPECIES OF PLANTS
INDIGENOUS TO THE VICINITY.
BY
THE
REV. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A. F.B S.E.
AUTHOR OF “A FLORA OF
SHROPSHIRE,” &c.
“I held on way to auncient Shrewsebrie towne,
And so from horse at lodging lighting downe,
I walkt the streats, and markt what came to vewe.”Churchyard.
FOURTH
EDITION.
Illustrated with Sixty=one Engravings on Wood.
SHREWSBURY:
PUBLISHED BY JOHN DAVIES, XV. HIGH STREET.
SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
PAGE. |
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1 |
Organ Screen in St. Mary’s Church |
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2 |
Norman Doorway, ditto |
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3 |
Town Hall |
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4 |
Market House |
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5 |
Statue of Richard Duke of York, on ditto |
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6 |
Angel under canopied niche, on ditto |
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7 |
Public Rooms |
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8 |
Ireland’s Mansion |
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9 |
“Bennette’s Halle” |
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10 |
Timber Houses on Pride Hill |
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11 |
Gateway of the Council House |
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12 |
Ditto of the Castle |
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13 |
The Castle |
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14 |
Laura’s Tower |
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15 |
Royal Free Grammar School |
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16 |
Principal School-Room, ditto |
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17 |
Bible Stand in the Chapel, ditto |
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18 |
The Library, ditto |
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19 |
Railway Station |
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20 |
Berwick Chapel |
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21 |
St. Michael’s Church |
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22 |
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23 |
St. Mary’s Church |
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24 |
Monument to Rev. J. B. Blakeway, in ditto |
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25 |
Triple Lancet Window, ditto |
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26 |
Ancient Stone Font, ditto |
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27 |
Monument to Admiral Benbow, ditto |
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28 |
Altar-tomb, Simon de Leybourne, ditto |
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29 |
Monument to Master Wigram, ditto |
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30 |
Statue to Bishop Butler, ditto |
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31 |
Salop Infirmary |
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32 |
St. Alkmund’s Church |
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33 |
Guild House of the Holy Cross |
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34 |
St. Julian’s Church |
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35 |
Old St. Chad’s Church |
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36 |
Tower on the Town Walls |
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37 |
English Bridge |
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38 |
Abbey Church, or Church of the Holy Cross |
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39 |
Ditto, eastern end |
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40 |
Stone Railing, in ditto |
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41 |
Monument to Roger de Montgomery, ditto |
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42 |
Altar-tomb to Richard Onslow, Esq. ditto |
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43 |
Ditto to Alderman Jones and his Wife, ditto |
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44 |
Reader’s Pulpit, ditto |
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45 |
White Hall |
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46 |
Column in honour of Lord Hill |
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47 |
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48 |
Interior of ditto |
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49 |
“Pest-Basin,” in St. Giles’s Churchyard |
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50 |
Altar-tomb at Longner |
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51 |
Roman Wall at Wroxeter |
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52 |
Trinity Church |
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53 |
Meole Bridge, &c. |
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54 |
Window in Franciscan Friary |
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55 |
The Quarry |
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56 |
St. Chad’s Church |
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57 |
Font in ditto |
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58 |
Figure of St. Chad in ditto |
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59 |
Welsh Bridge |
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60 |
St. George’s Church |
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61 |
Shelton Oak |
August, 1855.
Shrewsbury, the capital town of Shropshire, lies nearly in the centre of that fertile county, and occupies a commanding eminence which gradually rises from the bed of the river Severn, whose stream gracefully bends its course around three sides of the town, thus forming a peninsula, having its narrow isthmus towards the north-east. From whatever point the traveller approaches, his mind cannot fail of being forcibly impressed with the singular beauty of its situation and general aspect;—its dark and frowning castle, the elegant towers and gracefully tapering spires of its ecclesiastical structures; the undulating, irregular, yet picturesque disposition of its buildings, and above all, the beautiful windings of “Severn’s ambient wave;”—all combine to form a prospect surpassed by none and equalled but by few other towns of our island.
Organ Screen in St. Mary’s Church
From the gradual and progressive improvements of civilization, the present condition of the town presents few points of resemblance to the appearance indicated in its original Saxon name, Scrobbesbyrig, the fenced eminence overgrown with shrubs; a dense population of more than 20,000 inhabitants [2] now dwelling within its extent, busily engaged in the manufactures of linen, thread, iron, brawn, &c.—not forgetting those far-famed cakes
“Whose honour’d name th’ inventive city own,
Rendering thro’ Britain’s isle Salopia’s praises known.”
Norman Doorway, St. Mary’s Church Its earliest history, like that of most other ancient places, remains involved in obscurity; though it is now the generally received opinion, that the town was founded by the Britons, who, expelled from the adjacent station of Uriconium, or Wroxeter, which they continued to inhabit after the final departure of their Roman masters, sought here that refuge against their Saxon enemies which the then nature of the country was so well capable of affording them. During the progress of succeeding ages, our town and its inhabitants, have, of course, by turns flourished amid the calm prosperity of peace, and trembled at the terrors and desolations of overwhelming warfare. But the ample details of its important history are totally foreign to the purpose of the present manual; the highest aim of which, is to furnish to the intelligent and inquisitive traveller, a faithful, though humble guide, in conducting him, in his survey of the place, to those objects which, from general or local circumstances, are most deserving his attention and observation. [3]
To all classes, in their various and varied pursuits, our town will be found replete with matter of interest and instruction. The refined traveller will here meet with customs and manners peculiar, singular, and interesting—the artist, subjects for his pencil and exercise for his judgment, in imitating the tints and stains of time and nature’s never-ceasing powers—the historical antiquary will, with enthusiastic delight, trace its connexion with many of the grandest features of our national history—the architectural antiquary will find ample scope for many an hour’s delightful meditation on the massive grandeur of the “oulden time”—whilst to the scrutinising eye of the naturalist, the vicinity will, at every step, unfold objects of beauteous and wondrous design, which will uplift his enraptured mind, as he fondly gazes on them, in heartfelt gratitude, adoration, and praise, to the bounteous Giver of all good.
Commencing then at the centre, let us first survey that emporium of civic honour,
The ancient Guild Hall was a large, low, timber structure, with a high clock-turret, erected in the reign of Henry VIII. and stood across the Market Square, nearly at right angles to the centre of the New Hall. The lower part consisted of shops, and a covered way for carriages communicating with the High Street. The upper story contained the rooms in which the business of the town was transacted, and the assizes held. The Exchequer, in which the municipal records were preserved, stood on the south-east side, and was a strong square stone tower of three stories, erected in 1490.
This incommodious building was in 1783 levelled with the ground, and a new hall erected in its place, after the design of the late Mr. Haycock of this town, at an expense of £11,000, and opened for public business on 17th March, 1786. In excavating the foundations, considerable deposits of what was apparently manure were discovered, indicating, in all probability, the existence of a farm-yard on the spot, at some very early period. The new structure exhibited a handsome stone front towards the Market Square, and consisted of a spacious vestibule, and two not very convenient courts for the assizes, on the ground floor. A large assembly room, grand jury room, and spacious offices for the business of the town and county, occupied the upper story, to which an elegant spiral staircase of stone led from the vestibule below.
Considerable sinkings having in 1832 been observed in different parts of the structure in consequence of the instability of the foundations, the building was surveyed by eminent and experienced architects, and pronounced unsafe and dangerous. The matter was immediately deliberated upon by the proper authorities, and after due investigation, it was determined to take down the whole edifice and erect a more commodious one on its site. For the double purpose of obtaining a more eligible foundation, and of adding a considerable additional space in front to the Market Square, some adjoining premises were purchased by subscription, and a substantial structure, well adapted for all the purposes of the business to be therein transacted, was, in 1837, completed by Messrs. Birch, of this town, after a design by Sir Richard Smirke. The cost of this building was about £13,000, and was raised by a county-rate.
The disposition of the interior embraces on the ground floor, a vestibule, affording a communication with rooms on either side for the mayor, counsel at the assizes, and witnesses, and beyond with two spacious courts and robing rooms for the judges. On the second floor are arranged the clerk of the indictments, grand jury and witnesses attendance rooms; and on the upper floor, the town clerk’s and clerk of the peace’s offices, and a great room, 45 feet by 32 feet, for general purposes; on this floor are also fire-proof chambers for the safe preservation of the municipal records. Under the crown court are cells, &c. for the prisoners, and a room for the deliberations of juries. Its exterior elevation is here represented:—
The following pictures, presented at various times to the Corporation, adorn the walls of the Town Hall: Charles I.; Charles II.; William III.; George I.; George II.; George III. and his Queen Charlotte; Admiral Benbow; Lord Hill, by Sir William Beechy; and Admiral Owen, painted by our townsman, R. Evans, Esq. R.A. by subscription. An excellent likeness of The Honourable Thomas Kenyon, late Chairman of Salop Quarter Sessions, and various other local portraits, are arranged around.
The Norman Earls of Shrewsbury, to whom the town belonged after the Conquest, ruled the burgesses with the iron sway of tyranny. From this thraldom they were somewhat relieved by Henry I., who conferred on them many valuable privileges, and diminished the rent of their town. Henry II. was the first king who granted them a written charter, but from his time to the reign of James II. almost every successive sovereign has confirmed or enlarged their privileges and customs. A guild merchant existed here, antecedent to the 11th John, and was recognized and established by charter of 11th Henry III. 1226–7, by which, every one carrying on business in the town was compelled to become a member of it. The town was anciently governed by two Bailiffs or Provosts, until the Corporation was remodelled by charter of 14th Charles I., under which it consisted of a Mayor, (annually elected,) Recorder, Steward, Town Clerk, 24 Aldermen, 48 Common Councilmen, 2 Chamberlains, and inferior officers. Under the Municipal Reform Act, Shrewsbury was divided into five wards, and is now governed by a Mayor, 10 Aldermen, and 30 Councilmen. There are also 12 magistrates appointed by the Crown to assist in the local government of the town.
presents an interesting and antique appearance, on account of the numerous old timber houses, which still remain on its sides. It consists of a large oblong space, the northern half of which affords room for an excellent Green or Vegetable Market, whilst the southern half is occupied
which, according to an inscription over the northern arch, was erected in 1595, at the expense of the Corporation. It is one of the most spacious and magnificent structures of its kind in the kingdom; is of wrought freestone, and in the fantastic style of the 16th century. The principal front faces the west, and has in the centre a spacious portal; over which are sculptured, in high relief, the arms of Elizabeth, under a canopy adorned with roses, with the date 1596. Attached to the imposts of the great arch are pillars, each supporting a figure of a lion, with a blank shield on its breast. Above are two stories, with large square mullioned windows. On each side the portal is an open arcade of three spacious round arches, reposing on massive pillars; over which, a range of square mullioned windows lights the upper story, which is surmounted by a rich, though singular parapet, with grotesque pinnacles. Statue of Richard of York Angel under canopied niche Large open arches occupy the north and south ends, which are terminated above in sharp pointed gables. Above the northern arch, in a tabernacled embattled niche, is a statue of Richard, Duke of York, father of Edward IV. clothed in complete armour, and a surcoat emblazoned with his armorial bearings, removed from the tower on the Old Welsh Bridge, on its demolition in 1791. On his left are the town arms, azure, three leopards’ heads, or, sculptured in relief. The south end is decorated with a sculptured stone, representing an angel, with expanded wings, under a canopied niche, bearing in his hands a shield, charged with the arms of France and England, quarterly. This fragment of antiquity formerly stood in the southern tower of the Castle or North Gate of the town, and was removed hither in 1825, when that building was taken down to widen the street. The exterior of this fine old building has of late years undergone a needful reparation and careful restoration, and its northern front has recently received the useful appendage of an excellent clock, illuminated by gas, constructed by Joyce, of Whitchurch, in this County. The lower area is appropriated to the excellent Corn Market held here every Saturday.
General Markets are held on Wednesday and Saturday in every week, and Fairs for Cattle of all kinds, in the Smithfield, on alternate Tuesdays, and for Butter and Cheese, on the second Wednesday in each month.
The spacious apartments in the upper story of the Market Hall are occupied by the
originally established in 1825, and supported by subscriptions and donations. The present number of the members is 200. The Library comprises 2000 volumes, and the Reading Room is supplied with Periodicals and Newspapers. There are Classes for the English and French languages, Arithmetic, Mathematics, Music, Writing, Modelling and Drawing; and during the winter months Lectures are delivered every fortnight. The subscription is Ten Shillings and upwards per annum for members, and Five Shillings for students.
On the south side of the Market Square are
erected in 1840, by Mr. Stant, after the design of Mr. Haycock. On the ground floor in front is the principal entrance to the
which is immediately above, and also to the spacious
which occupies the remaining portion of the second floor. The third story is divided into various rooms, used as Billiard Rooms, &c. The back apartments on the ground floor are appropriated to the Street Act Offices, and dwelling for hall-keeper, &c.
The Public News-Room, supported by annual subscriptions, is supplied with the principal London and Provincial Newspapers, Journals, Magazines, &c. and is open from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m.
The Music Hall is 90 feet in length, and 42 feet wide, and 38 feet high, with an Orchestra at the south end, containing a very fine-toned and powerful Organ, built by Bishop of London, and presented to the Choral Society of the town, by the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D.
Adjacent are the Stamp Office, the Salop Fire Office, the Police Station, and Post Office,—the two latter in the “Talbot Buildings,” recently well known as the old established “Talbot Inn,” formerly the warehouses of an eminent draper of the town, of the name of Oteley, of the family of Oteley, of Pitchford, County of Salop, and erected on the site of some of the buildings probably belonging to Vaughan’s Mansion, as is evident from the old stone foundations and singular vaults still existing in the basement.
Looking towards the north, and turning on the left, we enter the High Street, where on the left-hand side is a noble timber house, now divided into separate dwellings, once the town residence of the (now extinct) family of Ireland, of Albrighton. When entire, it must have presented a grand and imposing appearance. The front consists principally of four deep ranges of bow windows, four stories high, very lofty, and terminated above in pointed gables, on each of which, are escutcheons of the arms of the Ireland family. Gules, six fleurs de lys, three, two, and one, argent. The principal entrance is through a flat Gothic arch. The premises are now the property of the Corbets of Sundorne.
Immediately fronting the High Street, behind the premises of Mr. Burrey, upholsterer, are the remains of some extensive building of red stone, probably ecclesiastical, and in the style of the 14th century. Considerable doubts have been entertained by our best antiquarians concerning these remnants of fallen grandeur, and no record is extant by which their use or name can be ascertained with any certainty. In an entry in the chartulary of Haughmond Abbey, in this county, of the early date of 2d Rich. II. 1378, these premises are mentioned, as having been known before that time, by the name of
but when or from what cause they acquired that appellation is unknown.
Turning to the right, we proceed up Pride Hill, on the right-hand side of which may be seen many curious old timber houses, the ancient mansions of our honest burghers.
Midway of Pride Hill, on the right, is the
in which are also many interesting specimens of domestic architecture.
At the top of Pride Hill, on the right, is
intended for the accommodation of persons bringing Butter, Eggs, and Poultry to the markets. The old cross, a heavy, inconvenient brick building, with a large reservoir on its top for supplying the upper parts of the town with water, stood nearly in the centre of the thoroughfare, whence it was removed in 1818, and another erected at the expense of the Corporation, on the present site; which also proving insufficient and inconvenient, was taken down, and the present structure, on an enlarged scale, built in 1844, by the Corporation, aided by the subscriptions of the town and neighbourhood.
Timber Houses on Pride Hill In early times a Cross stood on this spot, of which frequent mention is made in old documents, by the name of the High Cross, and the adjoining street was called the High Pavement. Here proclamations were accustomed to be made, and criminals executed. This cross is remarkable as the place on which David, the last of the British Princes of Wales, underwent a cruel and ignominious death, by order of Edward I. and where many noblemen, taken prisoners at the battle of Shrewsbury, were executed.
On part of the site of the present Cross stood, previously, an ancient timber structure, probably part of the collegiate buildings of the adjacent church of St. Mary.
Nearly opposite the Butter Cross, on the left-hand side of the street, is an old mansion, now new-fronted, modernised, partially rebuilt, and divided, once, it is believed, the residence of the opulent and ancient, but now extinct, family of the Prides, who gave their name to the street “Pride Hill.” Some idea of its former splendour may have been collected from the ornamented plaster ceilings, which remained in several of the rooms, but which, by recent alterations, are probably now removed.
Proceeding onwards, we shortly reach, on the left,
where the ingenious George Farquhar wrote his sprightly but licentious comedy of “The Recruiting Officer,” during his residence in our town in 1704, in that capacity. The scene of the play is laid in Shrewsbury, and though the plot may not have had any foundation in reality, it has been ascertained, on indubitable evidence, that the author took for the originals of his characters, many distinguished persons, living or well known at that time, in the town and neighbourhood. The window of the room, which tradition points out as that in which the drama was composed, still exists, and may be seen from the yard of the Inn.
At the end of Castle Street, on the right side, the remains of
present themselves to the spectator; the architecture of which, with the exception of a pointed window at the west end of later date, is entirely of the early Norman era: and it is highly probable that the Chapel was erected by Roger de Montgomery, the first Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, for the use of such of his retainers as resided in the outer works of the Castle. The only portions of this edifice at present remaining, are the nave, a massive semicircular arch, formerly opening into the (now entirely destroyed) chancel, and two similar side arches. The building is the property of the Lysters of Rowton, and has been converted into two stables and a coach-house.
Immediately adjoining, on the right, is the venerable and highly-ornamented timber
which presents an interesting and curious specimen of the domestic architecture of the year 1620; that date, and the initials W O E, indicating it to have been built by one of the Owens of Condover, the then possessors of this property, being still visible on the south-eastern front.
Entering through this gateway, we approach
which is so called from having been the occasional residence of the Council of the Marches of Wales, during their annual visit to our town. [20] It is situated on a lofty bank, which abruptly rises above the river Severn, and commands a most interesting and enlivening prospect of the surrounding country. The buildings occupy three sides of a small court, and are now divided into three excellent houses. Of late years they have been so considerably altered and modernised that little of the original structure is at present discernible. That portion which includes the Hall and the Great Chamber over it, comprises nearly the whole of the building which retains any resemblance of its original features. These once magnificent apartments, during the last alterations, were subdivided and despoiled of the stained glass, elaborately carved chimney pieces, [21] and richly ornamented ceilings, which contributed so largely to their former splendour. The carved wooden porch, once affording entrance to the hall, has, with other relics, been carefully preserved.
The house was originally erected about 1501, by Peter Newton, Esq. one of the Council of the Marches, and having passed through numerous hands, is now the property of the Lysters of Rowton.
This venerable mansion afforded, in 1642, an asylum to the unhappy Charles the First, upon the commencement of his troubles. His Majesty resided here for six weeks, during which time the gentry of Shropshire flocked around him, and testified their deep attachment and unshaken loyalty, by contributing most liberally in this hour of need to their sovereign’s exigencies. James II. also on his visit to the town, kept his court here on the 24th of August, 1687.
The next object which demands our attention is
the arch of which is the only existing part of the original Norman fortress of Roger de Montgomery. It is eighteen feet in height, semicircular, with plain round facings, and its walls appear to have sustained a tower, from whence hung the portcullis.
Through this gateway we are conducted into the inner court of whence we obtain a comprehensive view of the existing remains, which consist of the keep, the walls of the inner court, and a lofty mound on the south side, probably part of the early fortress constructed here by the Britons. From the various dilapidations and changes which the fortress has undergone during the course of many centuries, no adequate idea can now be formed of its original size and strength. The Castle stands boldly elevated on a steep bank of earth, on the narrow isthmus formed by the Severn, and is approached from the town by a gentle ascent.
The Keep, the walls of which are of great strength and thickness, was erected by Edward I. and is a square building, connected with two round towers of equal diameter, embattled and pierced, and originally consisted of one great apartment on each of the upper floors. The interior, as well as the exterior, has been greatly altered. A handsome stone staircase, of modern construction, leads from the vestibule (in which is a statue of the founder, Roger de Montgomery), to the principal apartments. The drawing room, used as a guard-chamber in the time of Charles 1st, is spacious and handsome. A stone stair-case within the wall, lighted by narrow chinks, leads to an apartment in the western tower, in which was a recess, with a strong groined ceiling, and small acutely pointed windows.
Watch tower The summit of the mound above mentioned, is crowned with ruinous walls, and an ancient watch tower, which, during the last repairs was converted into a delightful summer room, commanding a fine panoramic view, and now called Laura’s Tower.
On the east side of the court is a postern, built probably during the civil wars; and adjacent to it are the massive foundations of an ancient tower.
In the area of the court, now entirely cleared of buildings, the Knights of the Shire have, from time immemorial, been girt with their swords by the Sheriff.
Of that invariable appendage of castles, the Chapel of St. Michael, all traces have long been swept away. Its site is even now a matter of conjecture. Originally it was endowed with considerable landed estates, was a “Royal Free Chapel,” and was subsequently granted, with its appendant, the Church of St. Juliana, in this town, by Henry IV. to his College erected at Battlefield, in commemoration of his victory there.
Roger de Montgomery, the first Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, is regarded as the founder of the Castle, though it is more probable that he only enlarged a smaller fortress which is known to have existed here anterior to his times. To afford an eligible site for his new buildings, he is stated to have destroyed fifty-one houses; a fifth part of the whole town at that period. On the forfeiture of Earl Robert de Belesme, in the time of Henry I., the castle became a royal fortress, and was entrusted to the custody of the Sheriff, and the vast possessions annexed to it were parcelled out among various knights, to be held by the service of castle ward. During the turbulent reign of Henry III. the castle fell into a state of great dilapidation, but his son, Edward I., immediately on his accession, almost entirely rebuilt the structure; which, upon the submission of the Welsh, being no longer needed as a military fortress, was again abandoned to ruin and decay.
In the reign of Elizabeth a grant was made of its site and buildings to Richard Onslow, Esq. who subsequently transferred his interest to the Corporation. During the civil wars it was repaired and garrisoned for the royal party; but being besieged by the parliamentary forces, it surrendered in 1645, and escaped demolition by being entrusted to Colonel Mitton, a native of the county. On the Restoration it reverted to the Corporation, who, in 1663, surrendering their title to Charles II., that monarch presented it to Francis Viscount Newport, afterwards Earl of Bradford, from whom it has passed to the present proprietor, the Duke of Cleveland.
Nearly opposite the Castle is
founded by that monarch by letters patent, dated 10th February, 1552, and endowed with portions of the estates of the late dissolved Colleges of St. Mary and St. Chad, in this town. The original endowment, on the request of the learned, estimable, and ever to be venerated Thomas Ashton, the first Schoolmaster, was considerably enlarged by Queen Elizabeth, in the 13th year of her reign, by a donation of other portions of the properties of those ecclesiastical institutions. Mr. Ashton himself left by will a handsome legacy; and Dr. John Taylor, the learned editor of Demosthenes, bequeathed the greater part of his valuable library.
The amount of the present annual revenue is £3086. 15s. 1d. which is appropriated in the payment of the Salaries of the Masters and Bailiff, the maintenance of scholarships and exhibitions in the Universities, the stipends of the Vicar of Chirbury, and the Curates of St. Mary, Clive, and Astley, the necessary repairs, &c. of the school-buildings and estate, the Library, Rewards, Prizes, &c., providing residences for the Incumbents of the School livings, and a Play-ground. The surplus is applied to the formation of a Reserved Fund, not exceeding £5000, to be applied from time to time, under the direction of the Court of Chancery, for repairs, &c. of the School buildings and Estate.
The head-master receives a salary of £425, including £100 for Mathematical instruction, and a further sum of £40 as catechist and reader; the second master £200, and the third master £100, with the use of dwelling-houses, free from rent, taxes, and repairs; the French and German master £50, and the writing master £50.
The exhibitions and scholarships from this school to both Universities, are numerous and valuable, and are mostly confined to the sons of burgesses, (who have attended the school for two years), born in the town or suburbs, or in the Abbey Foregate; or in default of such, to persons born in the parish of Chirbury; or in default of such, to those born in the county of Salop.
Four scholarships of £63 per annum each, on the foundation of John Millington, D.D. at Magdalen College, Cambridge, tenable during residence till M.A. Electors, the Master and Fellows of the College.
One Fellowship of £126 per annum, on the same foundation, in the same College. Electors, the same.
One Exhibition of £23 per annum, on the foundation of John Taylor, D.D. open to any College. Electors, the Head and Second Masters, and the Mayor of Shrewsbury.
One Exhibition of £10 per annum, on the foundation of Mrs. Nonnely, for a boy proceeding to the University of Oxford.
One Exhibition of £30 per annum, on the foundation of Mr. Podmore, for a boy nominated by the Head Master, and proceeding to Trinity College, Cambridge.
Prizes for Composition in the Greek, Latin, and English Languages, are awarded annually, with a Gold Medal to the best Scholar leaving School for the University. There are also Exhibitions for which Shrewsbury School has a preference, at Balliol College, Oxford, and at St. John’s College, Cambridge.
Five Exhibitions of £50 per annum each, tenable for four years. Electors, the Trustees of the School.
Two Exhibitions founded by Mr. James Millington, for sons of burgesses born in Frankwell, and proceeding from the School in Millington’s Hospital to Shrewsbury School, and thence to Magdalen College, Cambridge. Electors, the Trustees of Millington’s Hospital. Value £40 per annum each.
Two Exhibitions, founded by Oswald Smith, of £25 per annum each, for sons of burgesses. Electors, the Head and Second Masters, and the Incumbent of St. Mary’s, Shrewsbury.
Four Exhibitions to Christ Church, Oxford, founded by Mr. Careswell, for natives of Shropshire. Examiners, the Dean of Christ Church, or his Deputy. Electors, two or more Justices of the Peace for the County. Present value £60 per annum each.
The whole management of the school and revenue, was, by Act of Parliament, 38 George III. vested in the Bishop of Lichfield as Visitor, and Thirteen Governors and Trustees. The election of the head and second masters rests solely in the Master and Fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge. The under-master is appointed by the head-master.
All the sons of burgesses of Shrewsbury, who are not under eight nor more than twenty years of age, may be admitted on the foundation, on application to the head-master, provided they are able to write and read English. Any boys not sons of burgesses may be admitted on payment of certain fees,—viz. two guineas admission, and fifteen guineas yearly.
The instruction in the schools is “in the Holy Scriptures, the Church Catechism, the Liturgy, Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, the Greek, Latin, English and French languages, Reading, Writing, and Grammar, in Ancient and Modern History, sacred as well as profane, and Geography, in Arithmetic and Mathematics, and also in such other modern Languages, Arts and Sciences, as the Governors, with the consent of the Visitor, shall think proper.”
The head-master is Rev. B. H. Kennedy, D.D.; the second master is Rev. W. Burbury, M.A.; the third master, H. Greenwood, Esq. M.A.; the assistant classical master, Edward Calvert, Esq. M.A.; Mathematics and Arithmetic, Rev. A. T. Paget, M.A.; Modern Languages, T. A. Bentley, Esq.; Latin Accidence and Writing, Mr. T. N. Henshaw.
Among the many persons of eminence who have received their education at this school we may enumerate Sir Philip Sidney; his friend, Sir Fulke Greville, Lord Brook; the son of Edwyn Sandys, Archbishop of York; the cruel Judge Jeffries; Lord Chief Justices Jones and Price; Dr. Bowers, Bishop of Chichester; Dr. John Thomas, Bishop of Salisbury; Dr. John Taylor, editor of Lysias and Demosthenes; Dr. Edward Waring, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics; James Harrington, the author of “Oceana;” Wycherley, the Dramatist; Ambrose Phillips, the Poet; and the Venerable Archdeacon Owen, and the Rev. J. B. Blakeway, the learned and estimable Historians of Shrewsbury.
Through the indefatigable exertions and learning of the late venerated head-master, (The Right Reverend Samuel Butler, D.D. F.R.S. &c. late Lord Bishop of Lichfield,) the institution attained to an unrivalled celebrity and repute, most deservedly ranking among the first public schools in England. And as an earnest of continued prosperity, we cannot do better than refer to the words of the venerable Bishop, who, on resigning his arduous duties to his learned and talented successor, stated “that he considered Dr. Kennedy, as the most brilliant scholar he had ever sent forth, as the brightest star in that galaxy of distinguished pupils whose names adorn the ‘Boards’ of Shrewsbury School.—That from Dr. Kennedy’s experience of his system, both as a pupil and assistant master at Shrewsbury School, from his constant practice as a lecturer and private tutor at College, and as an assistant master for six years or more at Harrow, as well as from his own unrivalled talents and high literary distinctions, from his fine taste and sound learning, there was not a shadow of doubt but that he would fully maintain the reputation which Shrewsbury School had already acquired, and would add, at least as many distinguished names to its Boards, during his superintendence of this important foundation, as had been inscribed there by himself in any equal period.” These bright anticipations of the venerated Bishop have been already, and are daily more and more fully realized.
More than 100 gentlemen educated at Shrewsbury School have during the present century been elected Fellows of various Colleges in both Universities, and nearly 250 Scholars and Exhibitioners; of whom more than forty have subsequently been Tutors or Lecturers in their several Colleges.
Permission having been kindly granted, we are enabled to give the following copy of the Boards alluded to:—
1824 |
Edward Baines, Christ College |
4th |
1825 |
John Price, St. John’s College |
3rd |
John Hodgson, Trinity College |
5th |
|
Frederick E. Gretton, St. John’s College |
7th |
|
1827 |
Benjamin Hall Kennedy, St. John’s College |
Senior. |
George A. Butterton, St. John’s College |
3rd |
|
T. W. Peile, Trinity College |
2nd |
|
1829 |
Horatio S. Hildyard, Peterhouse |
5th |
Robert Smith, St. John’s College |
6th |
|
Thomas Butler, St. John’s College |
7th |
|
1831 |
Charles Kennedy, Trinity College |
Senior. |
Charles J. Johnstone, Caius College |
4th |
|
1832 |
Richard Shilleto, Trinity College |
2nd |
Edward Broadhurst, Magdalen College |
7th |
|
1833 |
James Hildyard, Christ College |
2nd |
1834 |
George F. Kennedy, St. John’s College |
Senior. |
Edward Warter, Magdalen College |
4th |
|
1835 |
George F. Harris, Trinity College |
3rd |
John Cooper, Trinity College |
7th |
|
1836 |
Geo. Hy. Marsh, St. John’s College |
2nd |
William H. Bateson, St. John’s College |
3rd |
|
Richard Edward Turner, Trinity College |
6th |
|
1837 |
W. Gilson Humphry, Trinity College |
Senior. |
1838 |
George A. C. May, Magdalen College |
3rd |
Henry Thompson, St. John’s College |
7th |
|
William Parkinson, St. John’s College |
8th |
|
1839 |
Augustus W. Hopper, Trinity College |
6th |
1840 |
Francis France, St. John’s College |
Senior Æqual. |
1841 |
Edward M. Cope, Trinity College |
Senior. |
John Bather, St. John’s College |
2nd |
|
Henry Thring, Magdalen College |
3rd |
|
1842 |
Hugh A. J. Munro, Trinity College |
2nd |
Francis Morse, St. John’s College |
7th |
|
1843 |
George Druce, St. Peter’s College Edwin H. Gifford, St. John’s Coll. |
Seniors Æqual. |
1844 |
William G. Clark, Trinity College |
2nd |
1846 |
H. De Winton, Trinity College |
3rd |
1848 |
J. E. B. Mayor, St. John’s College |
3rd |
1849 |
H. C. A. Tayler, Trinity College |
4th |
1851 |
J. W. Taylor, St. Peter’s College |
12th |
Robert Burn, Trinity College |
Senior Æqual. |
|
Philip Perring, Trinity College |
4th |
|
W. Chandless, Trinity College |
5th |
|
Arthur White, Magdalen College |
16th |
|
1854 |
S. H. Burbury, St. John’s College |
2nd |
G. M. Campbell, St. John’s College |
7th |
|
H. Day, St. John’s College |
9th |
1808 |
W. H. Parry, St. John’s College |
16th |
1809 |
John Evans, Clare Hall |
6th |
W. R. Gilby, Trinity College |
7th |
|
1811 |
R. W. Evans, Trinity College |
7th |
1824 |
W. Crawley, Magdalen College |
27th |
1826 |
John Hodgson, Trinity College |
16th |
1827 |
George A. Butterton, St. John’s College |
8th |
1828 |
T. W. Peile, Trinity College |
18th |
1830 |
Charles Whitley, St. John’s College |
Senior. |
Edward Yardley, Magdalen College |
40th |
|
1834 |
Henry Trentham, St. John’s College |
13th |
1835 |
Francis Procter, Catharine Hall |
30th |
John Cooper, Trinity College |
33rd |
|
1836 |
W. Twiss Turner, Trinity College |
15th |
Thomas E. H. Headlam, Trinity College |
17th |
|
1837 |
Alexander J. Ellis, Trinity College |
5th |
William Gilson Humphry, Trinity College |
27th |
|
1838 |
H. J. Hodgson, Trinity College |
24th |
G. A. C. May, Magdalen College |
36th |
|
1840 |
Henry Cadogan Rothery, St. John’s College |
19th |
1843 |
Edwin H. Gifford, St. John’s College |
15th |
1851 |
J. S. Clarke, St. John’s College |
11th |
1854 |
B. W. Horne, St. John’s College |
4th |
H. Day, St. John’s College |
5th |
|
S. H. Burbury, St. John’s College |
15th |